www.acquisition-international.com • August 2026
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Contents 4 News - Livers Bronze Announces Strategic Merger with DeAngelis Iron Work, Inc. - Robotics & AI Discovery Day Expands with a New Defense Pavilion, Uniting Technology Leaders Around the Future of Physical AI 6 Three Ways AI Can Fill Your Sales Pipeline Without Cold Calling 8 From Adversity to Enterprise: Dimitri Ivanov’s Story of Resilience 9 Empowering Software Through Premium Testing Solutions 10 Translating Organisational Structure into Operational Success 11 Innovative Energy Solutions for Diverse Industries 12 Empowering People, Plants, and Communities to Grow 10 8 12
NEWS Livers Bronze Announces Strategic Merger with DeAngelis Iron Work, Inc. Livers Bronze, a Kansas City-based manufacturer of ornamental handrail systems, announced a strategic merger with DeAngelis Iron Work, Inc., a South Easton, Massachusetts-based fabricator of architectural metals, steel stairs, handrails and restoration projects. The merger creates a framework for the two companies to collaborate while maintaining the customer relationships, project teams and operating practices that have made each business successful. Livers Bronze and DeAngelis Iron Work will continue operating under their respective names, with existing leadership and personnel in place. “This merger combines two companies with long histories, complementary capabilities and an unrelenting commitment to craftsmanship, quality and customer service,” said John Livers, CEO of Livers Bronze. “Livers Bronze has built a national reputation in ornamental handrail systems, while DeAngelis Iron Work brings a proven track record on complex architectural metal projects. By working together, we can better support customers who need reliable partners capable of delivering highquality metalwork across a broad range of project needs.” Livers Bronze will gain a stronger connection to the Northeast market, while DeAngelis Iron Work will benefit from broader national relationships and resources. The merger also creates opportunities for the companies to share best practices, strengthen project execution and expand the range of solutions available to architects, contractors and building owners. “This was about finding the right longterm partner for DeAngelis Iron Work, our employees and our customers,” said Harry Dodakian, senior executive at DeAngelis Iron Work. “Continuity was an important part of this decision. Our leadership team will remain in place, and we will continue operating with the same commitment to quality, service and project execution that has defined DeAngelis Iron Work for generations.” In connection with the combination, DeAngelis Iron Work expects to relocate to a new, larger facility in the Boston area designed to support improved efficiency, collaboration and future growth. Additional details on the new facility will be announced at a later date.
NEWS opportunities to engage directly with the companies shaping the next generation of intelligent machines. The partnership between PRN and PTC brings together two of the region’s leading technology organizations to further elevate Pittsburgh’s role as a destination for innovation, commercialization, and investment. “Pittsburgh has extraordinary capabilities in robotics, AI, autonomy and advanced manufacturing that are increasingly important to our national defense and industrial competitiveness. This partnership with the Pittsburgh Robotics Network gives us an opportunity to bring those capabilities together and demonstrate the important role this region can play in strengthening America’s technology and defense leadership.” said Audrey Russo, President & CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. With support from Visit Pittsburgh, Robotics & AI Discovery Day also showcases the region itself. As visitors travel from across the country and around the world, the event highlights the companies, research institutions, workforce, and entrepreneurial ecosystem that have made Pittsburgh one of the world’s leading robotics and AI hubs. Free tickets, more information, exhibitor opportunities and event details, for Robotics & AI Discovery Day 2026 on September 16th are available at bit.ly/RADD2026 Robotics & AI Discovery Day Expands with a New Defense Pavilion, Uniting Technology Leaders Around the Future of Physical AI With Pittsburgh’s globally recognized robotics ecosystem as its backdrop, Robotics & AI Discovery Day will give industry leaders, investors, policymakers and the public a front-row seat this September to the technologies, companies and ideas shaping the future of robotics and AI. The Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN) and the Pittsburgh Technology Council (PTC) today announced a strategic partnership for Robotics & AI Discovery Day 2026, including the debut of a new Defense Pavilion highlighting robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomy, and dual-use technologies driving innovation across defense, manufacturing, infrastructure, logistics, healthcare, and other critical industries. This partnership reflects Pittsburgh’s position as a global leader in robotics, AI, and advanced manufacturing while reinforcing the region’s role in shaping the future of physical AI. As artificial intelligence moves beyond software into intelligent machines operating in the real world, Robotics & AI Discovery Day offers a rare opportunity to experience these technologies firsthand. The Defense Pavilion will feature companies developing technologies that strengthen both commercial markets and national capabilities, showcasing innovations with applications across industry, public safety, and national security. “If you want to see where robotics and physical AI are headed, Pittsburgh is one of the most important places in the world to experience it. Discovery Day brings together the technologies, companies and people defining what comes next, and our partnership with the Pittsburgh Technology Council makes this year’s event an even stronger reflection of the scale, relevance and momentum of this innovation ecosystem,” said Jenn Apicella, executive director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network. Robotics & AI Discovery Day has become one of the nation’s premier robotics and AI events, bringing together nearly 10,000 attendees, 250+ exhibitors, investors, researchers, manufacturers, startups, government leaders, and future talent. The event features live technology demonstrations, industry workshops, expert panel discussions, keynote presentations, a Career Center connecting employers with top talent, and Pittsburgh Robotics Network and Pittsburgh Technology Council partner to showcase the technologies transforming industry, national security and the next era of innovation
Feature 6 | Acquisition International, July 2026 Three Ways AI Can Fill Your Sales Pipeline Without Cold Calling Cold calling isn’t dead, despite what a lot of people like to say. For some businesses, it still works, but for a lot of SMEs, it definitely is becoming harder to rely on. Buyers do their homework before they ever even speak to a salesperson, inboxes are overflowing with not a lot of time to answer salespeople, and most people don’t answer unknown numbers anymore anyway. The good news is you don’t have to build a sales pipeline the same way you did five or ten years ago. We all know that AI is changing how businesses find new customers. Instead of working through endless lists of prospects and hoping someone happens to be interested, you can spend more time speaking to people who are already showing signs that they might actually need what you offer. That’s a much better use of everyone’s time. This works particularly well as part of an account-based marketing (ABM) strategy, where highvalue prospects are warmed up through relevant content before outreach even begins, turning cold conversations into much warmer ones, much earlier. It’s also worth thinking about what happens after that first touchpoint. Buyers will often do their own research before replying or taking a meeting, so making sure your business shows up in AI search results is becoming increasingly important. Things like Answer Engine Optimisation and Generative Engine Optimisation can help make sure your company is more visible and more likely to be recommended by AI tools when prospects are looking for solutions. When you combine this with an ABM approach, you’re not just reaching the right people through outbound, you’re also making it easier for them to find and trust your business when they start looking into their options. For smaller businesses, especially, that’s important. Most SMEs don’t have huge sales teams so every hour counts, meaning wasting half the day chasing people who were never going to buy isn’t exactly a great strategy. Here are three ways AI is helping businesses bring in better opportunities without relying so heavily on cold calls. It helps you find people at the right time One of the hardest parts of sales has always been timing. You can have the right product, the right price and speak to exactly the right person, but if they’re not looking for a solution yet, the conversation usually goes nowhere. AI can assist with giving you a much better idea of who’s actually in the market. It can pull together all sorts of signals that are easy to miss on your own. Maybe a key company has started hiring rapidly or they’ve just raised funding. Maybe key clients have been looking at certain pages on your website or engaging with content around a particular problem. None of those things guarantee they’ll become a customer, but when you put those signals together, you get a much clearer picture of who’s worth spending time on. That means sales teams can stop guessing quite so much. Instead of reaching out because someone’s name appeared on a spreadsheet, you’re starting conversations with businesses that already have a reason to listen. It cuts out hours of research Sales involves far more research than people often realise. Before you even send an email, you’ve probably looked at someone’s website, checked their LinkedIn, searched for company news and tried to work out whether they’re actually the person who makes decisions. Do that twenty or thirty times a week, and you’ve lost a lot of time before you’ve even spoken to anyone. AI can take care of a lot of that groundwork. It can pull together company information, summarise what’s been happening recently, highlight likely challenges and give you a decent starting point before you begin writing an email. That doesn’t mean you stop doing your own homework or double checking. It just means you’re not starting from scratch every single time. For SMEs, that’s a major deal. If you’ve only got one or two people responsible for sales, getting even an extra hour or two back every day makes a noticeable difference. It makes outreach feel more relevant Nobody likes receiving the same generic sales email that’s clearly been sent over and over again to another five hundred people. People expect businesses to understand at least a little bit about who they’re talking to. AI can make that much easier. It can suggest specific messaging based on the prospect, highlight the services they’re most likely to care about and help tailor outreach without adding hours of extra work researching. The important bit is that AI shouldn’t be writing your relationships for you. Combined with buying signals and personalisation, this approach can increase response rates by more than 25%. People still buy from people. That’s unlikely to change anytime soon. What AI does is help you walk into conversations knowing a bit more about the business on the other end. That usually leads to better discussions because you’re talking about something that actually matters to them. Better leads are better than more leads One thing I think gets lost in conversations about AI is that it isn’t really about replacing salespeople. It’s about helping them spend more of their week doing the part of the job that actually matters. AI is most effective when it’s built on strong go-to-market strategy. Research, positioning and planning still come first, with AI helping bring every stage together before execution. Most sales teams don’t need more names to contact, they need better opportunities and they need a clearer idea of who’s worth speaking to and why. That’s where AI is making the biggest difference. For SMEs, that’s a real opportunity. You don’t need the biggest sales team in your industry to build a strong pipeline anymore. If you’re spending your time on the right conversations, you’re already a step ahead. By Peter Juhasz, co-founder and CEO of Syrvi AI
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8 | Acquisition International, August 2026 From Adversity to Enterprise: Dimitri Ivanov’s Story of Resilience Dimitri Ivanov’s journey into business leadership was not one born from a carefully planned professional path. The entrepreneur’s story began during one of the most difficult periods of his life, initially defined by survival, family responsibility, and an unwavering dedication to protecting all that his mother had left behind. In April 2020, during the first wave of Covid-19, Dimitri’s mother passed away unexpectedly at the age of 52. His mother had lived in London with his grandmother and operated a small laundrette, of which she was also the sole worker. She had been healthy, so her death came as a complete shock to her loved ones, Dimitri especially. He told us, “She was my best friend, my only parent, and the person who had raised me alone as a single mother.” Almost overnight, Dimitri became responsible for his grandmother, his mother’s estate, the business, and the substantial financial obligations that had accumulated during her illness and the temporary closure of the laundrette. At the time, he was completing his final year studying Economics and International Relations at the University of Sussex, but had no siblings or father with whom to share that responsibility. Dimitri held no previous experience in the laundry industry, but made the decision to take over the business. He taught himself through online videos, endless research, and essential practical experience. Over time, Dimitri learned how to operate and maintain the machinery, process different items, manage suppliers, serve customers, and solve the daily problems that arise when running a service business. At the same time, Dimitri returned to his university studies via remote learning. Despite the grief and pressure that surrounded him during this period, he sat his final examinations in September 2020 and graduated with a First Class degree. For the following years, Dimitri worked extremely long hours, often amounting to seven days a week. He successfully managed and developed the laundry business whilst also working within the financial technology sphere, applying everything he had learned about sales marketing, customer acquisition, and commercial strategy to thrive within a traditional local industry. Gradually, Dimitri transformed the business from a small, owner-operated laundrette into what is known today as Laundry Riviera, a growing residential and commercial operation serving individuals and businesses across London. “It is not only somewhere to wash clothes,” said Dimitri, “but also a welcoming environment where local people can meet, speak to one another, and feel part of their neighbourhood.” As Laundry Riviera became more established, Dimitri began investing in buy-to-let property alongside his partner Sophie. The pair observed how frequently landlords and tenants can be made to feel like reference numbers rather than people with individual circumstances, responsibilities, and concerns. This motivated them to create Lettings Riviera, with the aim of offering a more personal, professional, and accountable alternative. Lettings Riviera’s growth was driven by the knowledge and practical experience Dimitri developed whilst building and managing his own property portfolio. Together with Sophie, he has since built further experience managing more than 50 properties across London, including traditional tenancies, serviced apartments, short-term rentals, and accommodation for contractor stays. Although laundry and property management appear to be very different sectors, Dimitri guides both businesses with the same core values of professionalism, integrity, transparency, reliability, accountability, and community. At 29-years-old, his motivation has developed beyond survival; Dimitri now strives to leverage his experience to build sustainable businesses that create employment and support local communities. For his unwavering resilience in the face of difficulty, truly transforming adversity into enterprise, Dimitri Ivanov has been recognised as London’s Most Enterprising Business Leader 2026 in the fields of Laundry and Property Services. Reflecting on his achievements, the entrepreneur concluded, “My competence is not based solely on academic study or theory. It comes from operating businesses directly, solving problems, managing financial risk, serving clients, working with landlords and tenants, and making decisions where the consequences are real. “This recognition is therefore important because it reflects more than commercial growth; it acknowledges the ability to take responsibility during an extremely difficult period and turn that responsibility into sustainable organisations that serve others.” Contact: Dimitri Ivanov Dzhunov Company: Laundry Riviera Ltd & Lettings Riviera Ltd Web Address: www.laundryriviera.com & www.lettingsriviera.com Age is not an accurate metric for assessing an individual’s capability. Dimitri Ivanov is a 29-year-old entrepreneur proving exactly that, making significant waves across both the laundry and property service markets. In just a few short years, Dimitri has led a customer-facing business through a national crisis, developed residential and commercial services, and built experience managing more than 50 London-based properties. We spoke with the market mogul to hear his story, following his recent recognition in the Business Leader Awards 2026.
August 2026, Acquisition International | 9 Empowering Software Through Premium Testing Solutions ounded in 2020, TestPro Consulting is a one-stop-shop for all testing consultancy needs. However, the business is a firm believer that there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all. This is why it approaches each of its clients as a unique project to be handled with utmost care and consideration. Anil shared: “TestPro Consulting helps organisations deliver technology change with confidence. We specialise in independent software testing, quality engineering, delivery assurance and cybersecurity testing for organisations where failure simply isn’t an option. “Whether it’s a major transformation program, a business-critical platform, cloud migration or regulatory change, our role is to provide an objective view of quality before systems reach customers or go live.” Earning its place as a leading Testing Center of Excellence (TCoE), TestPro Consulting does more than the basics of test cases by also concentrating on reducing overall delivery risk, challenging assumptions, and giving senior stakeholders confidence in their decisions. “Our mission is straightforward: improve the quality of technology delivery while reducing the commercial risk associated with large IT programs. ” With a solid foundation built on three core principles of independence, transparency, and accountability, TestPro Consulting operates with pride. The consultancy believes in quality, with shared responsibility in creating quality solutions, honesty no matter how the truth sounds, and success measured through stability and consistency rather than the completion of mere tasks. Anil enthused: “Ultimately, our success is measured by our clients’. Stable go-lives, reduced operational risk, stronger governance, and long-term partnerships tell us far more than utilisation figures ever could.” TestPro Consulting’s consultants combine deep technical capability with experience of leading complex enterprise programs across financial services, utilities, retail, government, and other regulated industries. By holding such broad and varied expertise, the consultancy has become adept in communicating equally well with an assortment of clients no matter the sector or their individual roles. Uniting software quality, cybersecurity testing with independent assurance to provide executives with a clearer understanding of delivery risk, TestPro Consulting’s offerings and operations respond directly to the ever-evolving needs of its clients in addition to the rapid-changing regulations and pressures within cybersecurity. Anil added: “Organisations today face growing pressure from regulations such as DORA, the Cyber Resilience Act and increasing expectations around operational resilience. Therefore, testing can no longer be viewed as a technical exercise carried out at the end of a project.” Recently, TestPro Consulting has been witness to the changes across countless sectors. This has resulted in undergoing its largest development to date, where it expanded its capability beyond traditional software testing into broader technology assurance and cybersecurity services. Anil commented: We’ve invested in strategic partnerships that enable us to support clients with penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, security assurance and regulatory readiness while maintaining the same independent approach that has always defined TestPro. “Like many organisations, we’ve also seen clients accelerating AI adoption. While AI has enormous potential to improve delivery, it also introduces new risks around quality, governance and trust. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for experienced consultants, we’re integrating it to automate repetitive activities while allowing our specialists to focus on higher-value analysis, decision-making and client engagement.” For the years to come, the consultancy is laser-focused on further expansion of its service portfolio and its strategic partner network. Seeing more organisations recognise that quality monitoring and inspection cannot be left to the final point of software development, TestPro Consulting’s further growth and offerings will support its clients to implement vital processes throughout each program for maximum success. Anil concluded: “The objective isn’t simply to become larger. It’s to deliver greater value to clients facing increasingly complex technology challenges.” We are delighted to name TestPro Consulting our Most Trusted Software Testing Consultancy 2026 in the UK, especially as it keeps its fingers steadily on the pulse of the software testing industry every step of the way. From AI integration to investments in premium cybersecurity assurance processes, and the inevitable expansion of its capabilities across operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and alternative emerging technologies, TestPro Consulting is perfectly poised to take on what comes next. Contact: Anil Pande Company: TestPro Consulting Website: testproconsulting.com With over 50 years of combined experience between TestPro Consulting’s two Managing Partners, countless organisations continue to benefit from a wide range of accolade-worthy services across auditing, planning, strategy, enablement, rescue and recovery, and more. F
10 | Acquisition International, August 2026 cultures, and ways of operating that must be streamlined. As the Vice President of Operations at Translate.One, Soraya Barrera Coello has been responsible for bringing coherence to these individual factors. As Translate.One has grown and evolved, Soraya has successfully harmonised systems, people, and strategy across borders without ever losing sight of what makes each part of these businesses valuable. This is the context in which every initiative, every client relationship, and every leadership decision made at Translate.One sits. “Transformation is easy to talk about in the abstract,” she told us. “What is harder, and what I am most proud of, is making it real inside a business that is genuinely complex, genuinely international, and genuinely growing. The kind of environment where there is no perfect playbook, where you have to write the playbook as you go, and where the people around you have to trust you enough to follow while you do.Transformational leadership is not a grand gesture; it is a thousand small decisions made consistently, with structure, care, and an unwavering belief that the destination is worth the journey.” Though she has made significant waves across Translate.One, this professional path was never one Soraya had planned. This journey first began with a challenge presented to Soraya as a Project Manager that, at the time, had felt completely overwhelming: building an around-theclock project management operation for a major pharmaceutical client. This task encompassed 24/7 coverage, three different countries, and a team Soraya was tasked with recruiting, training, and coordinating almost all from scratch. “What I discovered in that experience changed everything; I didn’t just survive it, I thrived in it,” she recalled. “There was something about the complexity, the moving parts, the human puzzle of aligning people across continents toward one shared goal, that lit something up in me. That project became my unofficial MBA in operations leadership.” From there, the path unfolded quite naturally for Soraya as she moved through the roles of Team Lead, Head of Production, and now, VP of Operations at Translate.One. Responsible for leading the transformation, integration, and strategy of a business that has grown significantly through acquisition around the world, Soraya has been recognised as the Most Transformational Operations Leader 2026 in Global Localisation Services. To any aspiring leaders who wish to follow these inspirational footsteps, Soraya advised, “Put the right people in the right positions. This is arguably the most important decision a leader makes. Get this wrong and no strategy in the world will save you. Get it right and you barely have to push. The momentum builds itself.” She continued, “Normalise failure. This one changed how I lead. The most successful people I know – and the most successful companies – are not the ones who never get it wrong. They are the ones who failed, reflected, and came back stronger. If you want a team that takes initiative and thinks creatively, they need to know that an idea not working out is not a career-defining moment. It is part of the process.” Finally, Soraya shared, “Be patient. With your journey, with your team, and with yourself. Leadership is not a destination you arrive at. It is something you practice, imperfectly, every single day. Leadership is a privilege. Treat it like one.” Contact: Soraya Barrera Coello Company: Translate.One, LLC Web Address: www.translate.one Translating Organisational Structure into Operational Success “I didn’t choose operations. Operations chose me and, every year, I’m more convinced it was the right match. ” Translate.One’s mission is to connect the world through language, helping organisations communicate effectively across borders, cultures, and markets. The company combines innovative technology, artificial intelligence, and human expertise to deliver tailored multilingual content solutions that enable businesses to grow globally while maintaining accuracy, consistency, and cultural relevance. With a specialism extending beyond traditional translation, Translate. One provides end-to-end language and localisation services, including translation, localisation, interpretation, multilingual content management, testing, quality assurance, regulatory support, and consulting services. Through its technology platform and a global network of experts, its team helps organisations streamline multilingual content operations and engage audiences worldwide. “Our vision is to be the global partner of choice for organisations navigating the complexities of international communication,” said Soraya, “empowering them with innovative, adaptable, and comprehensive language solutions that remove barriers and create meaningful connections across languages and cultures.” In alignment with this vision, Translate.One has grown significantly through acquisition. Today, the company operates across 13 countries: the US, the UK, Spain, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Germany, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. Each acquisition presented Translate.One with an entity possessing its own processes, Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Translate.One offers innovative language and technology solutions for corporations worldwide, empowering them for success with high-quality translation and localisation solutions. At its helm is Soraya Barrera Coello, Vice President of Translate.One and a deserving recipient in the Business Leader Awards 2026. Following her recent recognition, Soraya told us more about her journey to success below.
August 2026, Acquisition International | 11 of its flagship P8000 unit. As Brian told us: “This breakthrough design reduces component count, eliminates traditional failure points, and enables commissioning in under six hours – marking a transformative advantage for developers and utilities seeking rapid deployment and long‑term reliability.” “Why not lease a complete energy storage solution with battery management systems (BMS), energy management systems (EMS), and AI-driven control platforms? ” Finally, with TeraStor’s global manufacturing prowess covering the US, Europe, and Asia, it has carved out a reputation for itself as a trusted partner capable of delivering resilient supply chains and localised support on an international scale. Its blend of an encompassing product range and US-designed software means it has something for every need, and that TeraStor Energy is today building the future of energy storage. Brain explained: “Through innovation, engineering discipline, and a clear vision for AI‑enabled grid stability, TeraStor Energy stands as a defining force in the transition to a smarter, cleaner, and more resilient global energy ecosystem.” More on the work Brian and the team carry out can be found by visiting TeraStor Energy Inc. at the web address linked below. Contact: Brian Watson Company: TeraStor Energy Inc. Web Address: www.terastorenergy.com Innovative Energy Solutions for Diverse Industries Brian Watson ended up in the realm of energy storage almost by accident. His career, which notably includes a 21-year stint at the former American conglomerate GE, has long been defined by an ability to make emerging technologies profitable and build partnerships that could actually scale. All of this, combined with Brian’s expertise across engineering, finance, and policy, could finally converge in energy storage. When Brian first entered into this space a number of years ago now, it was on the cusp of becoming one of the most important pillars of the global energy transition. As Brian commented: “Early on, most organisations treated storage as a bolt‑on technology. Today, it’s a core part of grid planning, market design, and decarbonisation strategy. We’ve seen the shift from simple containerised systems to highly engineered, MV‑integrated, digitally optimised assets.” Brian himself has helped to drive this transformation, and the technical depth, commercial clarity, and international perspective he is today known for have proven crucial in the success of these technologies. Having been the chair of the BSI Energy Storage ESL/120 Committee for almost ten years, Brian has been at the centre of setting the standard since 2017, shaping the frameworks that make energy storage safer, more scalable, and more investable for clients in every industry. All of this led Brian to his current role as the vice president of TeraStor Energy Inc., which has given him further opportunity to explore the real-world challenges that developers and utilities face in the world of energy storage – be it supply-chain resilience, AI-enabled optimisation, or anything and everything in between. As its award in this feature suggests, TeraStor is a company changing what is possible concerning intelligent, scalable, and resilient energy storage in global markets. StorAIQ, the firm’s autonomous AI platform, has proven central to its success, managing battery energy storage systems with a level of precision that was previously thought impossible. Essentially, StorAIQ continuously optimises charge and discharge cycles, thermal conditions, degradation pathways, and market dispatch strategies so that operators can unlock higher revenue, lower operational overheads, and a significantly extended asset life. The ability of the platform to learn from multi-site portfolios and adapt to grid conditions in real time is also noteworthy, as this has ushered in a new era for intelligent storage management. Far from the only landmark solution to its name, StorView is another of TeraStor’s creations. This is an advanced energy management system offering full visibility and control across every asset. StorView combines with StorAIQ to offer what the company calls an ‘integrated digital backbone’, one that empowers its clients to navigate increasingly complex energy markets with total confidence, clarity, and efficiency. TeraStor has advanced the industry in other ways as well, as seen through the Parallel-Before-Series architecture it has patented across the likes Sometimes, failure is simply not an option. This is why TeraStor Energy Inc. delivers mission-critical energy architecture tailored to its clients’ infrastructure. With more than 40 years of industry experience to his name, Brian Watson has emerged as the man to lead TeraStor into the future. As he is named Most Strategic Energy Storage Leader 2026: (EMEA & APAC) and TeraStor itself is recognised as the AI-Enabled Energy Storage Solutions Firm of the Year 2026, we caught up with Brian for more.
12 | Acquisition International, August 2026 Empowering People, Plants, and Communities to Grow Located in Lincoln, Green Synergy is a well-respected, award-winning gardening and horticulture charity supporting the community of Greater Lincolnshire to socialise, learn, and thrive. Since its establishment in 2012, the charity has been on a mission to create healthier and caring communities, using community gardening to bring together people, plants, and nature. As Green Synergy is recognised in the Global Excellence Awards 2026 for its exceptional work, we spoke with Chief Executive Officer Ali Talbot for more. Contact: Ali Talbot Company: Green Synergy Web Address: www.greensynergy.org.uk programme entitled Planting Hope. This project sought to provide a programme of activities and support in a nature-based environment that enables men to strengthen their emotional wellbeing, build resilience, reduce their social isolation and risk of crisis, grow social connections, and plant seeds of hope by providing participants with tangible evidence of achievement and hope. Over the course of 2026, 26 health professional referrals were received, 90 project sessions were delivered, 243 individuals were supported, and 72 men were individually supported – with 65 having never accessed mental health services before. The outcomes data captured that 96.33% of men reported their levels of resilience and ability to manage life challenges had improved, and 100% of participants reported increased mental wellbeing. 90% of participants reported lower levels of anxiety and 100% of participants reported better outcomes in life satisfaction, sense of worth, and happiness. Looking ahead, Green Synergy is preparing to launch its workstream under Connect to Work, a programme designed to support young people with improving their confidence, wellbeing, and skills so that they can move closer to the world of work. Many of the people Green Synergy supports struggle with low self-esteem and confidence, and their resilience to life’s challenges has been tested. This upcoming garden-based programme will support individuals over the age of 18 for 12 months as they grow their confidence, nurture their self-esteem, and rebuild their resilience. What’s more, Green Synergy will also soon be launching its Gardening Outreach Service, providing a much-needed garden maintenance service to individuals across Lincolnshire who are unable to tend to their own gardens. Developed in response to increasing requests for such a service, this will provide the Green Synergy team with the opportunity to outreach wider into its Lincolnshire communities whilst also developing a new stream of income. As Green Synergy is named the East Midland’s Best Community Gardening NPO 2026, Ali shared, “We could not undertake our vital work without our supporters, and we want to build our supporter network even further. If you wish to get involved in Green Synergy, please scan the QR code and donate to support our vital work.” Contact: Ali Talbot Company: Green Synergy Web Address: www.greensynergy.org.uk “People, plants, and places are at the heart of all we do. ” Green Synergy works with disadvantaged communities and people of all ages with additional needs, including those living with mental health conditions, learning difficulties, physical disabilities, long-term health problems, and unemployment. Through its two community gardens – Hillside Garden and Ellie’s Memorial Garden – it supports these individuals in improving their mental and physical wellbeing, as well as managing the green spaces in environmentally responsible ways. Very few charities in Lincolnshire offer true social therapeutic horticultural programmes and activities like Green Synergy, supporting physical and mental wellbeing development through gardening and horticultural activities. At its core, however, Green Synergy stands as so much more than a gardening charity. The organisation also hosts community events, engagement activities, and delivers services from its Community Hub with warm and cool space activities, a lunch club, and “Cuppa, Craft, and Chat” sessions. Through 2025 and 2026, Green Synergy’s work positively supported 5,235 people with 2,466.75 volunteering hours. 498 people were supported by the organisation’s warm spaces service, and the charity received 118 essential referrals. Its team fielded 262 enquiries, its website received 2,700 visits, and its social media activities generated more than 820,000 impressions. Furthermore, from 2025 to 2026, 91.64% of Green Synergy’s project participants reported that they felt their health and wellbeing had improved following engagement with the charity, while 90.75% of all participants felt that their confidence had improved. 84.10% felt that they had gained new skills and 91.11% reported increased resilience and ability to cope with their self-car, whilst 94.16% felt more connected and less isolated. “As a small charity, Green Synergy is very proud of the trust we have built with our local communities, which has enabled us to support so many people,” said Ali. “The impact that our charitable work makes to the health and wellbeing of our local community is crucial, and the difference we make to enable people to thrive is central to our mission.” Most recently, Green Synergy delivered a Lincolnshire-wide men’s suicide prevention
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